Alumni Spotlight - Brett and Jerry Wynne

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Father and son sharing a passion for business

By Dana Chrysler
Everett Community College Alumni Outreach Specialist

Brett and Jerry Wynne share more than the average father-son relationship. Son Brett purchased the family business, Alexander Printing Company, after working alongside his dad since 1999. He also followed his dad’s footsteps in attending EvCC, and credits his college mentors with being a positive influence and giving him that extra push when needed. “EvCC was just a great experience for a start to college,” says Brett. EvCC’s business and accounting courses also benefited Jerry greatly. He says, “EvCC absolutely helped prepare me to be a business owner.” Below, Brett & Jerry answer some questions about their backgrounds and how EvCC played a part in their current careers.

JERRY WYNNE

Where did you grow up and graduate from high school?

I graduated from Everett High School in 1965.

Was there a selection process involved when you were preparing to attend college?

I had done various chores at a printing company in high school and knew that I should have knowledge of the business world.

What made you decide on EvCC?

Time, access, and finances were the biggest consideration at the time.

Did your time at EvCC help prepare you for your current career?

Absolutely.

What did you do after you left (or graduated from) EvCC?

I had active duty with the Army.

What courses or activities did you find to be most valuable at EvCC?

Business law, sociology, and accounting.

What is your lasting impression of EvCC?

EvCC gave me a good platform from which to launch.

What has helped you stay motivated in school and in your career?

To be myself and responsible for my own actions.

Tell me about your current position.

I have been a business owner since November 1978 (owner of Alexander Printing), dealing with customer needs and schedules and interpreting what they really mean to say. Scheduling and delivering the products in a timely fashion at a competitive price is of utmost importance.

What do you find rewarding about it?

Producing something with my own hands.

What do you find most challenging about what you do?

Taxes, regulations, and finding time for myself and my family.

What have been your keys to success?

Service with a smile.

What words of advice would you give to current EvCC students?

Dreams can come true, just take that chance.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

You make your profit when you buy, not when you sell. That’s always the key.

BRETT WYNNE

Where did you grow up and graduate from high school?

I grew up in the Lake Stevens area and graduated from Lake Stevens High School.

Was there a selection process involved when you were preparing to attend college?

EvCC offered a soccer program and was close to home.

How did you choose EvCC?

I was offered a scholarship to play soccer.

What did you do after you left (or graduated from) EvCC?

I transferred to Central Washington University.

What courses or activities did you find to be most valuable at EvCC?

Math and playing soccer, which kept me competitive.

Was there anyone at EvCC who was a mentor for you?

Larry Walker, who was the Athletic Director at the time. He was a positive influence and gave me that extra push when needed.

What is your lasting impression of EvCC?

It was just a great experience for a start to college.

What has helped you stay motivated in school and in your career?

Knowing that everything I do to the best of my abilities will benefit me in school and in my career.

What is your current position?

I’m currently the owner of Alexander Printing Company in downtown Everett.

What do you find rewarding about it?

Being able to put a job together and seeing the satisfaction on a customer’s face of a job well done.

What do you find most challenging about what you do?

Making sure that I keep on top of things in the industry and providing a quality product.

What were/are your keys to success?

Keeping focused and positive. Also, a key to a successful business is having good employees who care about what they do.